Always show desktop on connection

This policy setting allows you to specify whether the desktop is always displayed after a client connects to a remote computer or whether an initial program can run. It can require that the desktop be displayed after a client connects to a remote computer, even if an initial program is already specified in the default user profile, Remote Desktop Connection, or through Group Policy.

If you enable this policy setting, the desktop is always displayed when a client connects to a remote computer. This policy setting overrides any initial program policy settings.

If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, an initial program can be specified that runs on the remote computer after the client connects to the remote computer. If an initial program is not specified, the desktop is always displayed on the remote computer after the client connects to the remote computer.

Note: If this policy setting is enabled, then the "Start a program on connection" policy setting is ignored.

Supported on: At least Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1

Registry HiveHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Registry PathSOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Terminal Services
Value NamefTurnOffSingleAppMode
Value TypeREG_DWORD
Enabled Value1
Disabled Value0

terminalserver.admx

Administrative Templates (Computers)

Administrative Templates (Users)